Micropropagation and Conservation of Aerides falcata Lindl. & Paxton by Artificial Seed Technique

Abstract

Micropropagation and conservation of Aerides falcata Lindl. & Paxton by artificial
seed technique is an alternative method for orchids germplasm preservation.
The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of NAA and BA on protocorms
growth and to study the suitable of dehydration time and artificial seeds storage durations.
The results showed that the highest average number of shoots, roots and plantlet height
were 5.13 shoots/protocorm, 2.40 roots/shoot and 2.47 cm, respectively when protocorms
were cultured on ND medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l NAA and 5 mg/l BA. The study
of dehydration time by air-drying in a laminar air flow cabinet for 0-6 h found that the
optimum time of dehydration was 3 h. The water content and survival percentage of
3 h dehydrated artificial seeds were 28.95% and 98%. Dehydrated artificial seeds were
stored at -20°C for 1-6 months. The results indicated that storage for 1 month showed the
highest survival percentage of 100%.